How Can SAAs Best Contribute to Policy Changes That Will Strengthen Arts Education in the Public School System?
No one group of stakeholders has the resources or leverage to single-handedly bring about change in general education policy at the state level. SAAs are likely to be more effective in bringing about change at this level as influencers and conveners of stakeholders rather than as grantmakers. However, the following strategies also appear promising for SAAs: • Support comprehensive standards-based programs in the schools. • Encourage colleges to offer arts courses for high school students and lifelong learning for community residents. • Support the arts education programs of cultural and other community organizations that are the most likely to cultivate a community of individuals who value the arts. How Can SAAs Best Contribute to Policy Changes That Will Strengthen Arts Learning in the Community? For youth arts learning, SAAs can work with arts organizations and others to ensure they understand what the state and national content standards in the arts imply for their programs. Many SA
